Sand for reflecting light upward or sideways?

[kris2001]

Quick question what reflects light better from the bottom is it sand or coralline algae on the bottom glass?!

I might add sand... dunno what's best that's clean, white, mp40 friendly....?

I also notice that some sands get dirty and don't reflect light to corals that are hidden...
Are they the crushed coral kind?

I have 2 mp40w in my 156g DT...

Tia... pls suggest

 

[fishguy242]

imo bare bottom tank runs best

 

[kris2001]

My goal is light reflection!

 

[kris2001]

Bump... any advice on kind of sand?

 

[Nano man]

Light reflection for what purpose? Pros and cons of both but if you are trying to replicate a piece of the ocean in your house/work. Then why wouldn’t you want sand? I love the black look but white is nice too. Carib Sea is the brand you want.
MP40 placement is key.

 

[Hemmdog]

Bump... any advice on kind of sand?

Special grade won’t get blown around which is nice. Tropic Eden also makes good sand with larger flakes(more surface area to reflect)

 

[kris2001]

Light reflection for what purpose? Pros and cons of both but if you are trying to replicate a piece of the ocean in your house/work. Then why wouldn’t you want sand? I love the black look but white is nice too. Carib Sea is the brand you want.
MP40 placement is key.

Light reflection for corals that are stuck sideways, under e.t.c... low light corals like favia.

So no need for "live" sand for a 5 month old tank that's established right?

I'll check those suggestions